Eilidh McFadden, a 23-year-old student from Fort William, received a community sentence for vandalism committed at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens during an event called GlasGlow. She was found guilty alongside Orla Murphy, also 23, from Cork, Ireland, for spray-painting political slogans on ornaments associated with the event on 29 October 2022. The incident occurred shortly after both McFadden and Tom Johnson defaced a wax figure of King Charles at Madame Tussauds in London. During that act, the pair threw vegan chocolate cake and foam onto the statue, resulting in £3,500 damages, which they were ordered to pay in January 2023.
At the Glasgow Sheriff Court, McFadden and Murphy both pled guilty to charges of malicious vandalism. The court was informed that on the day of the incident, the GlasGlow event showcased a theme titled "The Land That Time Forgot," complete with items such as volcanoes and dinosaur displays.
Prosecutor Sean Docherty provided details about the graffiti, which included slogans like "F animal cruelty," "Greta was here," "Eat Jim Radcliffe," and "No Tory cs allowed," painted on various items including dinosaur skulls and signs. Video footage of the vandalism circulated on social media after event organisers reported the incident. Despite the damage, an attempt was made to continue with the event, but the estimated cost of repairs tallied to approximately £8,000.
Both defendants justified their actions as a joke, stating they were under the influence of alcohol at the time. However, Sheriff Andrew McIntyre dismissed this defence, asserting that the content of the graffiti was clearly political and had a significant impact on the property owners and the wider community. “I am not stupid, I was able to read what the comments were,” he remarked, underlining the seriousness of their actions.
As part of her sentencing, McFadden received a tagging order that requires her to remain indoors between 7 pm and 7 am for the next 19 weeks. Murphy was ordered to pay £1,800 in compensation. Defence counsel for McFadden, Alison Miller, remarked that the incident occurred after McFadden had consumed excessive alcohol and highlighted her awareness of the consequences if similar behaviour were to continue, suggesting a potential custodial sentence. Murphy’s lawyer, Peter Malone, echoed sentiments of regret, calling the incident "silly" and noting Murphy's remorse.
Following their appearance in court, the actions of both McFadden and Murphy have attracted public and media scrutiny, as the implications of their vandalism resonate within discussions pertaining to youth behaviour and the intersection of activism and vandalism.
Source: Noah Wire Services